Christmas Mulled Wine

I know our wine should be chilled, served in the sunshine, maybe in the middle of the day because… summer.

But this is Christmas and lets face it, thanks to the influence of Home Alone and the entire northern hemisphere, some of our traditions are not entirely weather appropriate.

So, hot on the heels of Misses Mac’s Christmas traditions and prior to The fern life – I decided to share this mulled wine recipe as my contribution to the 12 days of Christmas blog collaboration with Kiwi Mummy Bloggers.

I enjoy it throughout winter and through the festive season. I get really excited about a glass of mulled wine and making it is really easy and will make you seem very fancy. It also makes your house smell the way I imagine the north pole would.

I have seen alot of different mulled wine recipes, so this is one I tweaked to my liking – and that’s another great thing about it. Tweak away! I’m no expert.. but it makes me happy.

Its wonderfully warming and tastes like its like Christmas in your mouth.

If you like a bit more spice in your life… just add more.

750ml fruity red wine (I used Jacobs creek Merlot for no other reason than it was on sale and they don’t make a bad drop – any brand would be fine – you can even make it with non alcoholic)

10 whole cloves

1/4C caster sugar

1.5tspn ground nutmeg

2 C water

1/2C orange juice

1 apple (roughly chopped)

2 cinnamon sticks

*optional – 1 star anise

Heat cloves, cinnamon, orange juice, sugar, nutmeg and apple in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add red wine and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and divide among glasses. Enjoy!